UYO, In a significant display of political unity, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, will on Tuesday pay a solidarity visit to the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan.
The visit, led by IPAC Chairman and head of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Hon. Blessing Umo, is aimed at strengthening inter-party dialogue, promoting political harmony, and deepening democratic engagement across party lines in the state.
Hon. Umo, speaking ahead of the visit, emphasized that the move is a non-partisan effort to promote peace and mutual respect among political stakeholders.
“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Akwa Ibom State, IPAC remains committed to fostering unity, mutual respect, and constructive engagement among political leaders,” Umo said. “This solidarity visit is not about partisanship, it is about building bridges of understanding and demonstrating that democracy thrives best in an atmosphere of peace and cooperation.”
He praised Elder Aniekan Akpan for his mature and inclusive leadership style within the PDP, noting that such attributes have encouraged open dialogue and goodwill among political actors in the state.
“Elder Akpan’s leadership has been marked by maturity and openness. We’re visiting to commend his approach and reinforce the spirit of cooperation that benefits all Akwa Ibomites,” Umo added.
The visit has been widely welcomed by political watchers, who see it as a symbolic step toward greater unity and stability in the state’s political landscape. Analysts say it underscores a growing maturity among party leaders and a collective desire to prioritize the state’s development over partisan divides.
Responding to the planned visit, Elder Akpan expressed gratitude to IPAC for what he described as a “refreshing show of unity.”
“I deeply appreciate this gesture from IPAC. It shows that our political space is maturing and that leaders across parties recognize the need for partnership in the service of our people,” the PDP chairman said. “Democracy is not about division, it is about shared responsibility, dialogue, and the collective pursuit of progress.”
Elder Akpan voiced hope that the visit would open the door to more cross-party collaborations focused on inclusive governance and long-term peace in Akwa Ibom State.
“When we come together beyond party lines to share ideas and respect one another’s contributions, we move our state forward,” he noted.
The solidarity visit is expected to serve as a strong statement of political civility and a reaffirmation of IPAC’s growing influence as a stabilizing force in the state’s democratic journey.
